How Oral Allergy Syndrome Explains the Symptoms
Watermelonallergy symptoms are usually different from those due to a typicalfood allergy.
This is called cross-reactivity.
This article explains watermelon allergy symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
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It also covers risk factors for developing a watermelon allergy and which foods to avoid if you develop OAS.
These symptoms typically begin immediately after putting the watermelon in your mouth and go away soon after swallowing it.
Though anyone can develop OAS, the condition is less common in young children.
What Causes Watermelon Allergy?
Certain foods correlate with particularenvironmental allergens.
OAS symptoms are your body reacting to the proteins in the fruit that resemble those in pollen.
This cross-reactivity confuses the immune system, resulting in OAS symptoms.
Other common correlations include the following.
While the above associations are possible, they do not exist for everyone.
Similarly, a person may have a ragweed pollen allergy and only notice oral symptoms with melons.
How is Watermelon Allergy Diagnosed?
A careful history can usually provide enough clues to a healthcare provider that watermelon is the culprit.
However, some diagnostic tools can help them confirm it.
To avoid another severe reaction, a healthcare provider will likely prescribe anEpiPen.
An EpiPen is an injectable rig that contains a synthetic form of the hormoneepinephrine.
Injecting the hormone can stop the reaction and give you time to seek emergency medical care.
Then call 911 or head to an emergency room immediately.
In addition to whole watermelon, keep an eye out for watermelon in salads, drinks, and smoothies.
People with OAS often have reactions to more than one food.
Summary
In some people, eating watermelon can trigger oral allergy syndrome.
This is called cross-reactivity.
Symptoms are immediate and localized and include itching and tingling in the mouth and throat.
They usually resolve quickly once you’ve swallowed the fruit.
Rarely, anaphylaxis can occur.
Avoiding watermelon prevents a reaction.
For severe reactions, using an EpiPen and getting emergency medical attention is key.
American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Pollen food allergy syndrome.
UpToDate.Patient education: Oral allergy syndrome (beyond the basics).
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Anaphylaxis.
Ivkovic-Jurekovic I.Oral allergy syndrome in children.Int Dent J.
